Sargent & Greenleaf, Rochester, New York -
2 movements, Model #3, Model # 3A
A
A1
B1
B
C
D
E

F
The Model #3 was introduced in 1877 shortly after #2 as a more
compact version of their two movement time lock to fit onto smaller safe doors. Since it
offered all of the security features of the larger Model #2 it carried the same retail
price tag of $400, the same as for the Model 2.
A. Model #3, (later no. 6205), 1877. The earliest version with
rarer 46 hour dials in black, top movement plate damascened with S&G's traditional
'grape leaf' design and a screwed on square plate for the bolt hole bushing (picture A1)
instead of the round bezel found on all later versions. Also only the first version lacked
the patent dates found on all later issues since Sargent had not yet won his
1877administrative patent decision from the Secretary of the Interior (1).
This version was produced for a short period of time after the initial introduction of
this model. Note the similarity of dials and case design (hinges, red painted interior)
with the Model #2 here. Another unusual feature is the
matching movement and case numbers. Over the years, most of the movements had been swapped
out of their cases for servicing making matching numbers between case and movement very
rare. In later years the movement numbers often did not match the case numbers as they
left the factory, but were reasonably close. One of three known with these early design
features. This example has the lowest serial number known making it the earliest example
of the Model #3 in existence. The earliest known version of Model
#2. Case #11, movement #11. file 49
B. Model #3, c. 1878. Same as above 'A' but in a left hand hinged
door design. Nearly all time locks in the S&G line could be ordered in left or right
handed designs depending on the safe's configuration. This lock is a bit later in the
production run and it lacks the grape leaf damascene on the top plate. The case is earlier
than the movement and still has the screwed on square plate for the bolt hole bushing
(picture A1). Picture #B1 shows the rear movement plate covered with over 20 signatures of
service personnel; the earliest from February 22, 1886 to the last in 1950. Case#45,
movement #131. file 85
C. Model #3, c. 1881. This model has a very rare door
configuration with a scalloped glass to accommodate the large flat key lock. This was a
limited production made between the original rectangular shape and the later full square
design that was enabled by the adoption of the smaller, less expensive handcuff key lock
(see example E). By this time the patent dates appeared on the bolt dog. Case #503,
movement #490. file 122
D. Model #3, c. mid 1880's with rarer coin door without a cut out
for glass . This type of door was used where coin bags could smash into a
conventional glass door. By this time demand had shifted to the longer 72 hour duration
from the earlier 46 hours and a set of Geneva stops were added to the winding arbors to
prevent over winding. The dial color had been changed from black to white for better
visibility. Other changes to make the lock less prone to damage from dynamite explosions
were made. A third heavy screw to secure the rear movement plate was added and also
resulted in the addition of the lower decorative chrome plate as well as an additional
3/16 inch clearance between the drop bolt and the dial face. The drop bolt was redesigned
with a decorative top extension ending in a disc (1). Spotted pattern case.
Another solid door lock illustrating the crystalline pattern.
Case #1306, movement #1286. file 12
E. Model #3, c. later 1880's similar as the one above it but with
the more conventional glass door which was the third and last glass design on the Model
#3. By this time anti-dynamite mounts with rubber inserts to absorb shock were
incorporated into the rear of the case. Notice the original Sargent & Greenleaf
stenciling on the glass. This particular lock has survived in nearly mint condition. Case
#1664, movement #1638. file 64
F. Model #3A. c. 1890's. This is a rare version of the model #3
using the same dual movement as found in the more common #3 models but in a smaller case;
excluding the normal bolt works. Also has original winding eyelets in the glass that were
often lost when the glass was broken as well as the optional etched logo on the glass. The
lock was designed to sit on top of a separate automatic bolt opener. This
was a brief transitional design therefor few were made and very few survive. Case #1513,
movement #1510. file 67
(1)
American Genius Nineteenth
Century Bank Locks and Time Locks, David Erroll & John Erroll, pp. 180-183